
During the Feb. 17-26 JEA board of directors election, no director-at-large candidate met the 50% threshold, so a runoff election will begin March 3. There will be a runoff between the top four vote getters:
- Louisa Avery, MJE, The American School in London
- Sandra Coyer, MJE, Puyallup (Washington) High School
- Brenda Field, MJE, Glenbrook South High School, Glenview, Illinois
- Debra Klevens, CJE, Parkway West High School, Ballwin, Missouri
Voting members who were eligible to vote in the Feb. 17-26 election will be emailed a ballot Friday, March 3, to vote for candidates to fill the two director-at-large positions. Voting closes Tuesday, March 7, with runoff results posted at JEA.org Wednesday, March 8. The two candidates with the majority of the votes will be elected to fill the director-at-large seats.
Candidate statements
These statements were originally published prior to the Feb. 17-26 board of directors election.
Louisa Avery, MJE

Why do you want to serve, and how will you help advance JEA’s mission?
I want to help support teachers and advisers because this will create stronger journalists, which the world desperately needs. Journalism is such an important field, and although advising student media is incredibly rewarding, it is also very difficult. Empowering teachers and advisers through resources and other opportunities can help them stay in the profession longer, which will benefit students and improve society as a whole.
Ever since moving abroad to teach, I realized how valuable a strong professional learning community is. I took this for granted in Florida because I had many adviser friends in the vicinity and was very active in the state organization. I’m lucky now to have two colleagues in the building who understand what I do; however, there are no other scholastic journalism programs nearby we can turn to for collaboration. This led me to utilize JEA more, not only as a resource, but also for a sense of community. I now know there are more people like me who may be in areas where they truly feel like they’re alone on an island with no one to help them.
As JEA’s mission states, it provides “resources and education opportunities,” many of which I’ve taken advantage of, such as the robust curriculum and certification program. Earning my MJE was one of the most affirming professional development experiences of my career. Now that I’ve been teaching for 18 years, I feel it’s time for me to give back to the organization that has given me so much. I’ve done that by presenting at national conventions and Adviser Institutes, serving on the Scholastic Journalism Week planning committee, writing for JEA’s DEI resources and C:JET magazine, and becoming JEA’s first international mentor. I would be honored to serve the organization in an even greater capacity as a board member.
What do you think is the greatest challenge facing scholastic journalism education today?
Part of JEA’s mission is to support “free and responsible journalism.” Unfortunately, censorship is still an all-too-common occurrence in scholastic journalism. There are new examples each year of journalism programs closing, teachers being removed from their positions, and administrations refusing to allow publications to be distributed. It is difficult for many teachers to know how to handle these situations, especially if they are new to their jobs or in a state that doesn’t offer any legal protection. However, even that isn’t enough to avoid issues, as we saw this past year with my fellow JEA Scholastic Journalism Week committee member Adriana Chavira, a California adviser who was threatened with suspension.
Additionally, private and independent schools don’t benefit from the laws and precedents that protect public schools, even in the 16 states that have New Voices laws. Both JEA’s Scholastic Rights Committee website and the Student Press Law Center provide an abundance of information and assistance, but not all staffs are aware it exists, while other staffs choose not to fight the battle at all. Overall, journalism operating under censorship is not true journalism, and our students deserve that authentic educational experience.
In addition to censorship from outside sources, many factors have caused more students to begin engaging in self-censorship. They’re afraid to share their own opinions in case others don’t like what they have to say. They shy away from being too controversial or rocking the boat. This could be a result of cancel culture or because of the lack of respect journalists face in some communities. Either way, students need to know that their views are important and feel comfortable and confident in sharing them. With the support of JEA, advisers can help the students realize the power of their voices and empower them to use them responsibly to create change.
Why do you believe your voice is an important voice or perspective that needs to be heard?
Although diversity, equity and inclusion work has been on the forefront of JEA’s agenda for a few years now, that is not reflected in the makeup of the board. As a woman of color, I did not see myself represented on the board until Veronica Purvis joined as executive director. I’d like to help get more people of color involved in JEA because our students need to see people who look like them reflected in the organization as well. This is especially important at a time when stories about the issues surrounding diversity in professional newsrooms are making headlines.
Aside from that, I’ve been involved in scholastic journalism for as long as I can remember — years before I had a name for it. I created my own newsletter for my fifth grade classes and was the cue card girl for the daily morning show. This continued through middle school, high school and college, before I started teaching at my alma mater.
The first publication I advised was in a CTE program, but I also advised in two traditional public high schools. I earned Adobe certifications for myself and helped my students earn them as well. Now I’m in a private, independent, international school.
I’ve had staffs as small as 10 and as large as 60. I now work in small school with 500 in the high school, but previously taught in large schools with 2,500 in the high school. I’ve worked in schools where resources were extremely limited and others where they were easily attained.
I’ve advised newspaper and yearbook, in addition to teaching graphic design, photojournalism and middle school media literacy.
All in all, I have had many different teaching experiences, so I can relate to advisers in a variety of situations, which allows me to support them better.
Sandra Coyer, MJE

Why do you want to serve, and how will you help advance JEA’s mission?
I want to serve as a JEA board member because of how crucial this organization has been to my own development as a strong adviser. Membership has provided me with mentors, friends and a professional family who are available to answer questions, brainstorm curriculum, as well as share in the victories and defeats that only media advisers understand.
Giving back and maintaining the strength of the organization is important to me because I want the organization to be available to advisers many years into the future. Helping advisers and teachers improve their craft through mentorship and access to a rich curriculum is fundamental to strengthening media programs across the country and the world.
I have experience helping advisers in Washington state through the WJEA Summer Camp push their own abilities to become better versions of themselves for their students.
It is also important to advocate for the importance of media storytelling and a free scholastic press. I want to continue to use my passionate voice to be a strong advocate for media programs around the country, much like I do for those in my state.
What I love most about being a media teacher is that the media landscape is constantly changing, and advisers need tools to navigate and help push the boundaries of the storytelling that is possible for their students. It is through the building of a welcoming and inclusive adviser community that we become stronger, more confident and better advisers, as well as teachers.
Finally, I believe in holding up high expectations of myself and my students to build a strong program that believes in excellence. I would expect the same of JEA.
What do you think is the greatest challenge facing scholastic journalism education today?
The greatest challenge facing scholastic journalism education today is the continued push by administrators and adults to control the stories and voices of student journalists and media storytellers. Even in states still reveling in the New Voices victories, administrators are looking for other ways to control information.
Student journalists should not be afraid to go after important topics their school community needs to know, wants to know and should know. But some school officials, with increasing pressure to pass school levies and bonds, are attempting to find ways to control the narrative the community sees and hears. This could be by limiting student’s abilities to investigate information or even limiting the availability and access to sources for stories students are working on.
Continuing to educate, inform and proactively collaborate with administrators and district officials is crucial. Giving advisers ways to discuss potentially controversial stories with their staff and build relationships with authority figures is also important. As more and more states, hopefully, continue to push for student press freedoms, being proactive in working with school districts and their legal teams will help mitigate future problems.
Why do you believe your voice is an important voice or perspective that needs to be heard?
My voice is an important voice or perspective that needs to be heard because I represent all facets of being a media adviser. I have been a newspaper adviser for the past 24 years. My publication has been recognized in Best of Show competitions by the National Scholastic Press Association, as well as honored with Pacemaker awards, as well as finalists. My students consistently place in [National Student Media Contests] and media contests at national conventions, as well as at the state level.
My newspaper is 111 years old and upholding its reputation for excellence and credibility is important to me. While the other newspapers in my district have slowly disappeared, The Viking Vanguard has continued to thrive, even through the pandemic. I added the online website more than 10 years ago. The broadcast program ended up under my stewardship eight years ago and my students produce a weekly announcement show as well as a monthly newsmagazine show modeled after a Seattle professional program.
This past year, I became the adviser to the 97-year-old yearbook program and I finally feel my life is complete. I’ve balanced teaching English with being a media adviser and now I am a full-time media and CTE teacher.
I have professional experience in the industry and hold a communications degree from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University. I understand what all advisers go through —the struggles as well as the victories. I understand ways to support their pedagogy as well as teach their students to lead.
Brenda Field, MJE

Why do you want to serve, and how will you help advance JEA’s mission?
I want to continue to serve as a Director-at-large because there is more work to do. I’ve learned a great deal about JEA and about what advisers need in my first term. We worked together to navigate the association through the pandemic, and while decisions weren’t always easy, I found the experience of giving back to the scholastic journalism community in this way was always worth it. I feel indebted to JEA and to its members, past and present, and I know there is more I can contribute.
We’ve just begun to see how the past three years have changed what it means to be an adviser. There is increased scrutiny of scholastic media, both inside and outside the school building. Student needs are more profound. Therefore, our mission is more critical than ever. We need to help advisers at every stage of their careers, wherever they are, feel supported. No one should ever feel alone in this job and there are too many advisers who do. Many advisers don’t know about JEA. Some do, but they can’t imagine ever making it to a convention. Some aren’t sure JEA will be able to support their needs. Still others have been involved with JEA for years but don’t recognize what they have to contribute. I want to continue to serve in this position because I know the needs for resources, educational opportunities, and community are greater than ever.
What do you think is the greatest challenge facing scholastic journalism education today?
There are many challenges facing scholastic journalism education today, but the lack of support is the greatest one. It comes in many forms.
It shows up when administrators try to control student content, make it more difficult for advisers to do their jobs, or take students to workshops and conventions. It’s evident in decisions made about curricular priorities and sectioning. It shows up in questions posed by politicians about what should or shouldn’t be discussed in school.
It’s there in the classroom when advisers don’t know how to connect with resources and curriculum to assist in training their students.
It appears in conversations about the journalism profession: Why should scholastic journalism continue to be supported when so many professional organizations are dying? When journalism is reported to be the “most regretted college major?”
Despite that, as journalism educators, we know the power of scholastic journalism. We know how it trains students to think critically, to be empathetic, and to bring about positive change. We know involvement in scholastic journalism improves student academic outcomes across the curriculum. As an organization, and especially as a board, we need to work to connect more advisers with JEA, so they’re aware of the resources and support of our professional learning community, and we need to help educate administrators about the value of scholastic journalism. Additionally, we need to continue to be active in supporting legislation that protects students and advisers.
Why do you believe your voice is an important voice or perspective that needs to be heard?
My voice is important because of my experience as a current member of the board. Additionally, my perspective as a veteran adviser is helpful in strategizing how to address the challenges scholastic journalism faces.
As a current board member, I know our goals and initiatives well. I have been in the director-at-large role since the pandemic’s beginning, so I understand how the organization has been affected. I also understand the reasoning behind decisions made since.
I have been a JEA member since I began teaching in 1996. Over the years, I have served as a board member of multiple regional press associations, a JEA state director, and a convention local chair. Additionally, I co-chaired the New Voices effort that increased student journalists’ protections in Illinois. These experiences have proven to be incredibly useful in thinking about how to address board matters.
Moreover, while I believe my perspective and voice are needed, I am naturally a listener and observer. It matters to me to consider all perspectives before weighing in. Leaders need to listen before they speak.
Debra Klevens, CJE

Why do you want to serve, and how will you help advance JEA’s mission?
I began teaching 23 years ago as a singleton in my building. I wanted to become the best journalism teacher, but I was flying solo. I spent late nights on campus trying to wrap my head around the journalism process. I studied programs that I wanted to be like when I “grew up.” Then my yearbook angel arrived; an experienced teacher from the rival high school took me under her wing and taught me the lay of the land.
Over the years, I was a sponge, seeking out every resource imaginable to continue my journalism journey. I have remained energized by never stopping learning. Over the past few years, I have spoken around the country at various yearbook workshops. At first, I questioned why they were inviting me. What did I have to offer? I was nervous and let fear stand in my way of helping others. However, the more I had the opportunity to speak, the more passionate I became about my career. To me, there is no more extraordinary gift than helping others. It fuels my soul. I realized that my teaching could expand beyond my classroom, which lit a new fire in me. I thoroughly enjoy providing my peers with advice, guidance and continued encouragement.
As a director-at-large, I would like to help advisers at all levels feel welcome in the community and offer support so that this job is less intimidating. At a time when our country is so divided, I would like to see our students be the change in the world. Together, we can provide them with the tools to see one another and accept differences. Our greatest opportunity right now is to ensure that we are getting our students to cover the entire community, not just students who look like them.
What do you think is the greatest challenge facing scholastic journalism education today?
It’s funny how the world changes you and your community. I would have answered this question three years ago with media literacy or students’ press rights. However, in our new reality, the most significant issue is one we can’t ignore, and it affects all advisers, teachers and humans: the mental health of our community.
I had two students who attempted suicide last year, and 16% of our faculty did not return. Unfortunately, I know my story isn’t uncommon. As I taught at publications workshops this summer, I heard the same sentiment from national advisers. I knew change was coming, and I chose to embrace it.
I spent a lot of time thinking about why I was so happy in previous years. I realized I cultivated our success and happiness when I spent time developing relationships. With COVID-19 and social distancing, getting up and coaching kids at their seats was a thing of the past. We were relegated to our desks, six feet apart. But I soon realized students remained engaged when I empowered them to create a world-class product.
While their eagerness and grandiose plans for 2022 fell flat, with no actions to propel the program, I couldn’t give up on kids. They needed me. They were not okay. The ramifications of 2020-2022 have been tremendous. The pandemic has put life into perspective and presented a new set of challenges. Because I see, hear and listen to students, I know there is a bigger problem than a yearbook and newspaper problem. There is a human problem that needs addressing. Mental health is the greatest challenge facing all humans today.
Why do you believe your voice is an important voice or perspective that needs to be heard?
In an increasingly interconnected world where difference is articulated along racial, ethnic or religious lines, I hope to use my voice to create an even more inclusive journalism community.
As a Jewish woman, I can share a different perspective. While I may look like many of you on the exterior, I am a minority and frequently face prejudices. I want to use my voice to help represent people that do not feel seen or heard. If we feel passionate about inclusivity, we must focus on maintaining open dialogue amongst diverse social groups. I have made this my mission at my school of 1,550 students and faculty.
It started with my staff. This year I had my students complete a one-question survey: What scares you most about having a conversation with someone different than you? I invited the district’s diversity, inclusion and equity director to speak with my students. It was one of the most powerful discussions we have ever had. My students concluded that we must continue having courageous conversations. They acknowledged that the talks might be complicated; however, if they are done respectfully, we can allow every student in our community to feel welcome here.
I believe the Journalism Education Association is no different. We are all welcome here. This is a challenging time in our history. However, we can continue building and sharing our unique challenges and experiences to enrich the lives of one another. Journalism is our vehicle. It all begins with continued conversations.
Lindsay Porter